Photographing The Brando Resort – A Luxury Resort in French Polynesia Shimmering in the South Seas

by Barry · June 10, 2018

I had the distinct honor of traveling to and creating photographs of The Brando Resort, an incredible luxury resort destination sparkling within the South Pacific. During this excursion, I created some of the most unique and personal photographs in my portfolio. This once in a lifetime trip proved to be perhaps our most artistically inspiring assignment to date. As a photographer and artist, when I travel to a destination, the quality of light, the scents and sounds in the air, the nuances I feel when immersing myself into the environment, this will all influence my artistic approach to the images I create. This trip was more than just photographing interiors and exterior architecture… it was so much more.

With my Phase One camera, the full support of the resort and my creative team with me, I embarked upon a journey which shall forever live within me. The mystical power of this incredible island, and the colors and light captured in pixels and within memories even more indelible, I hoped to capture the spirit of the resort and tell its story with purity, authenticity and strength.

“The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture. They are committed to preserving and protecting the natural splendor and precious biodiversity of Tetiaroa; respecting and supporting Polynesian culture, hospitality and traditions; and achieving a negligible carbon footprint.

The Brando and all the villas have been designed without beach obstructions to blend harmoniously into the trees, using local materials extensively in the design and construction. All building materials used are of local or certified origin, renewable, or incorporate recycled components. They are using a pioneering deep seawater air-conditioning system to reduce energy demands and rely entirely on renewable energy sources including solar power and coconut oil. Setting a new world standard, the resort is close to reach its goal of being carbon neutral and self-sustainable.” – The Brando